In this discussion, Matt Pearce, President of Media Guild of the West and former LA Times reporter, dives into the tightening grip of tech giants like Google and Meta over journalism. He explores how Google avoided California's funding legislation for journalism while transforming the web landscape, making hyperlinks less relevant. The conversation highlights the struggles of digital news outlets, the effects of AI on news reporting, and the importance of unions in advocating for journalistic integrity amidst corporate influence.

Matt Gertz, a Senior Fellow at Media Matters, discusses the revolving door between Fox News and the Trump administration, exploring how this relationship influences governance. Bill Adair, founder of PolitiFact, delves into the challenges of fact-checking in today's polarized landscape. Matt Pearce analyzes the media's declining audience and its struggles with tech platforms. Lastly, Ben Collins reveals the satirical twist of The Onion acquiring Infowars, highlighting a humorous intersection of media and politics.

Matt Pearce, a seasoned journalist and president of the Media Guild of the West, dives into the shifting media landscape. He discusses how social media platforms have reshaped our trust in journalism, challenging traditional reporting. Pearce emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity in a world dominated by algorithms and corporate consolidation, calling attention to the need for supportive structures for independent media. He also highlights the press's critical role in society and the need for unionization among journalists to navigate these changes.

Discussing the crisis in journalism industry, impact of layoffs on news outlets, importance of boots-on-the-ground reporting, and future of journalism. Exploring challenges of declining advertising revenues, gaining paying subscribers, tech revolution, protecting online privacy, intersection of journalism and AI, and the relationship between tech industry and journalism. Emphasizing the significance of collective action, union organizing, and policymaker collaboration in addressing journalism crisis.

Joining the conversation is Matt Pearce, a seasoned journalist and former president of Media Guild of the West, known for his insights on media policy. He explores the controversial immigration plans of potential AG Mike Davis and the broader implications for society. The discussion pivots to the evolving media landscape in the Trump era, highlighting its critical role in democracy. They also tackle the urgent need to protect press freedoms amidst rising threats, emphasizing the crucial balance between accountability and journalistic integrity.